KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Mayor Jackie Espinosa urged constituents to vote Nov. 3 as she left the Osceola County Jail Thursday evening following her arrest on grand theft and organized scheme to defraud charges.
“What I want people to know is that what happened yesterday requires all of us to go out and vote November 3,” Espinosa said in response to a question from Channel 9’s Ethan Stein. “That’s what I want to say. And to the constituents of Kissimmee, we will be okay.”
Espinosa’s remark appears to be a reference to State Attorney General James Uthmeier, who is running for re-election. Uthmeier filed charges against Espinosa after the State Ethics Committee found probable cause over her handling of the city’s “Boost 2.0” program, which provided COVID-relief money to struggling businesses during the pandemic.
Espinosa made the remarks after posting bond totaling $70,000. She was arrested Wednesday in a case involving $50,000 in city grants awarded to family businesses.
Espinosa did not identify a candidate in the quoted remarks or explain how she wanted constituents to vote.
Charges involve city business grants
Prosecutors allege Espinosa helped create and expand Kissimmee’s Business Boost 2.0 program, then applied alongside immediate family members for grants benefiting three businesses they owned or controlled.
The program used American Rescue Plan Act dollars to provide one-time assistance to eligible small businesses within the city.
According to the arrest affidavit, Adanse LLC received $20,000; Kissimmee Diner Inc., which operates as Matador Tacos & Tapas, received $15,000; and The Real Estate Gallery LLC received $15,000.
Investigators said the money was deposited Nov. 7, 2025. The state alleges Espinosa declined to return the funds after the city attorney notified her Dec. 5 that accepting them created a prohibited conflict of interest.
Read how investigators say the grant applications and payments unfolded.
Espinosa maintains her innocence
Espinosa pleaded not guilty Wednesday. Her attorney, Migdalia Perez, disputes that the mayor acted with criminal intent.
“This case involves a publicly approved grant program administered by City staff, not a secret scheme to steal taxpayer money,” Perez said in a statement.
Perez argued that an alleged ethics violation does not establish a criminal offense and said the defense will challenge the allegations in court.
Espinosa’s next court date is scheduled for 8 a.m. Dec. 1. The allegations have not been proven in court.
Espinosa remains in office
The city said Espinosa’s arrest does not automatically vacate her seat under its charter.
Vice Mayor Angela Eady will perform mayoral duties at City Commission meetings and ceremonial events in Espinosa’s absence. City Manager Mike Steigerwald also authorized an internal investigation into Business Boost 2.0.
Read the city’s explanation of what happens next and how services will continue.
9 Investigates previously reported that a special prosecutor found probable cause to pursue Espinosa’s impeachment over allegations involving the grants.
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